How many miles can a 2012 Chevy Impala go?
On a full tank, a 2012 Chevy Impala can typically travel about 320 to 540 miles, depending on engine choice and driving conditions.
To estimate driving range, you multiply the vehicle’s fuel economy by its fuel tank size. The 2012 Impala offered two V6 engines and commonly uses an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, which leads to a range that varies with engine, driving style, and maintenance.
Engine options and estimated fuel economy
The 2012 Impala was offered with two V6 engines, each with different EPA fuel economy figures that translate to different potential ranges on a full tank.
- 3.5L V6: EPA estimates around 18 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined. With an 18.5-gallon tank, this yields roughly 333 miles in the city, 537 miles on the highway, and about 407 miles in mixed driving.
- 3.9L V6: EPA estimates around 17 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 21 mpg combined. With an 18.5-gallon tank, this yields roughly 315 miles in the city, 518 miles on the highway, and about 389 miles in mixed driving.
These figures are typical estimates; actual range depends on your exact configuration, tire pressure, terrain, climate, and how you drive.
Fuel tank size and how it affects range
Understanding the tank size clarifies why ranges vary. The 2012 Impala’s fuel tank capacity is commonly listed as 18.5 gallons, though measurements can vary slightly by trim or production batch.
- Tank capacity: approximately 18.5 gallons.
- Estimated range on tank (using EPA combined mpg): about 380–410 miles for the 3.5L engine, depending on driving conditions.
In practice, highway driving with steady speed can push the range well beyond 500 miles on a full tank, while heavy city driving can drop it toward the 300–350 mile range.
Tips to maximize range on a 2012 Impala
Practical steps can help you get closer to the upper end of these estimates.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and ensure proper wheel alignment.
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, anticipate stops, and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Perform regular maintenance: replace air filters, spark plugs, and keep the fuel system clean.
- Reduce weight and avoid roof racks when not needed; extra weight or aero drag lowers efficiency.
- Avoid prolonged idling and engine warm-up time; modern engines reach efficiency quickly once warmed.
Following these practices can help you approach the EPA estimates in real-world driving, though actual mileage will vary.
Summary
The 2012 Chevy Impala’s driving range on a full tank depends mainly on engine choice and driving style. With an 18.5-gallon tank, expect roughly 315–537 miles depending on whether you’re using the 3.9L or 3.5L engine and whether you’re driving in the city, on the highway, or in mixed conditions. Real-world results typically fall in the broad range of about 380–410 miles for mixed driving, with significantly higher ranges on long highway trips.
